Established in 2016 after Mwanza transitioned from corporate hotel and information technology roles in Nairobi to pursue rural enterprise, Palma Mukuyuni Tree Nursery operates in a region historically challenged by severe water scarcity and nutrient-poor soils. The commercial agricultural business cultivates and supplies a diverse portfolio of climate-resilient seedlings, ranging from fruit varieties such as Hass avocados, pixie oranges, mangoes, and pawpaws to indigenous timber and shade species like Grevillea robusta.
As international supply chains increasingly mandate verifiable sustainability and climate-smart practices at the grassroots level, the nursery exemplifies how localised adaptation strategies can stabilise agricultural output and improve regional food security. By shifting its focus from single-species timber to a robust mix of fruit-bearing and indigenous trees, the enterprise has developed a scalable model highly relevant to global buyers and trade policymakers seeking resilient agricultural networks.
During the London forum, Mwanza intends to highlight the critical role of cross-border institutional partnerships in elevating smallholder farming into commercially viable trade models. The enterprise already serves as a vital community training hub, educating local cooperatives on proper horticultural practices and seedling health. Furthermore, the company actively participates in the Fruit Trees for Climate Adaptation and Mitigation in East Africa project, supported by strategic partnerships with the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research and CIFOR-ICRAF.
Building agricultural supply chains that can withstand extreme environmental conditions requires more than just high-quality seedlings; it demands comprehensive knowledge transfer and international cooperation, said Mary Wanjiku Mwanza, Deputy Managing Director of Palma Mukuyuni Tree Nursery. Our work in Makueni County demonstrates that transitioning toward diverse, climate-resilient horticulture is a practical necessity for stabilising local economies. By participating in this forum, we aim to bridge the gap between grassroots agricultural realities and international trade policy, demonstrating how targeted research partnerships and community education can secure the foundational tiers of global agribusiness.
The three-day programme in London brings together senior policymakers, government officials, and business executives to address pressing challenges in market access, export growth, and supply chain stability. For agricultural enterprises operating on the front lines of climate adaptation, the convocation provides a vital platform to align community-led horticultural innovations with the evolving regulatory and commercial demands of international trade.
About Palma Mukuyuni Tree Nursery
Established in 2016 in Makueni County, Kenya, Palma Mukuyuni Tree Nursery is a commercial agricultural enterprise specialising in climate-resilient fruit, timber, and shade tree seedlings. The company supplies varieties such as Hass avocados, pixie oranges, and Grevillea robusta to domestic farmers and cooperatives while functioning as a regional training hub for horticultural education. Through partnerships with international research organisations, the nursery actively advances climate adaptation, landscape restoration, and food security across East Africa.
About the International Trade Council Global Convocation & Leadership Forum
The International Trade Council Global Convocation & Leadership Forum gathers senior business executives, policymakers, and government officials to evaluate and advance global market access, export growth, and supply chain stability. Held over three days at various venues across London, the event facilitates critical dialogue between the public and private sectors to reduce trade barriers and encourage sustainable cross-border commerce.
About the International Trade Council
Operating as an independent, non-lobbying peak-body chamber of commerce since 1956, the International Trade Council works to dismantle barriers to cross-border commerce and stimulate foreign direct investment. Its diverse global network exceeds 28,000 members across more than 179 countries, encompassing businesses, diplomatic missions, industry associations, export promotion agencies, chambers of commerce, and government ministries. The Council is dedicated to advancing ethical, inclusive, and transparent global trade through targeted advocacy, market research, and specialised education delivered via the ITC Academy.
About the International Centre for Trade Transparency and Monitoring
The International Centre for Trade Transparency Limited, operating as the International Centre for Trade Transparency and Monitoring (ICTTM), is a commercial enterprise established as a spin-off from the International Trade Council. Founded in November 2022 and registered in the United Kingdom with operational offices in the UK and the Philippines, ICTTM focuses on enhancing visibility across international supply chains. The company is the developer of ADAMftd (Advanced Data Analytics and Modeling for Foreign Trade Data), an artificial intelligence platform that processes billions of live and historical records—including customs data, tariffs, sanctions compliance screening, shipping data, and company ownership—to help organisations assess counterparty risk, map supply chains, and forecast market trends and pricing.
Media Contact
Mary Wanjiku Mwanza
Deputy Managing Director
Palma Mukuyuni Tree Nursery
Email:
[email protected]